Let’s face it, you invested in an RV for tenting moderately than a tent since you form of just like the comforts of dwelling whilst you’re exploring this lovely nation. Preserving your RV cool on scorching, humid nights might be one of many creature comforts on the prime of your listing. In case your present air conditioner simply isn’t fairly reducing it, it is likely to be time to spend money on a top quality AC unit.
Maintain studying for our prime picks of the very best RV air conditioners that will help you maintain cool on the street, together with an choice that isn’t technically an RV AC unit.

Our Prime Picks
Greatest OverallDometic Penguin II
Price range OptionASA Introduction Air
Greatest for AC PowerNEKPOKKA 12-volt
Greatest General
Dometic Penguin II
Dometic is a trusted identify within the RV neighborhood, and the Penguin II is considered one of their best-selling AC items, making it our prime decide for the very best RV air conditioner.
This low-profile AC unit is simply 10” tall, so that you don’t have to fret about knocking off your AC unit whenever you encounter a low-hanging department, or unmarked bridge for that matter. The low profile additionally means much less drag, which interprets to higher gas mileage.
This unit works for each ducted and non-ducted RVs, and single and multi-zone functions.
Execs
Low-profile
Works with ducted and non-ducted
Single and multi-zone functions
Cons
May be noisy when working
Price range Possibility
ASA Introduction Air
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a finances choice on your RV air conditioner, the ASA Introduction Air is a good selection.
One benefit the ASA Introduction Air has over different RV air conditioners is that it solely weighs 50 kilos, versus 100 kilos or extra.
That’s an enormous distinction whenever you’re attempting to get your air conditioner onto the roof! That additional weight financial savings additionally means extra room for enjoyable issues you may take with you.
One drawback to the ASA is that it’s only for ducted functions. Nevertheless, they do promote a non-ducted ceiling meeting unit.
Greatest for AC Energy
NEKPOKKA 12-volt
If you happen to wish to boondock, or for those who use solar energy, take a look at the Nekpokka 12-volt AC unit.
This RV air conditioner runs off your battery so there’s no must plug right into a pole or use your generator.
It’s light-weight, straightforward to put in, and doesn’t require you to drill new holes in your roof.
One other bonus with the Nekpokka unit is that it heats in addition to cools.
Nevertheless, needless to say as a result of it is a 12-volt RV air conditioner, it’s not going to be as chilly as your customary 120-volt unit.
It additionally doesn’t come pre-charged so that you’ll want a vacuum pump (out there to lease from Auto Zone) and a couple of cans of Freon.
Cons
Doesn’t come pre-charged
Not as chilly as customary RV air conditioners
Greatest Mini Cut up
Cooper Hunter
On the lookout for an environment friendly different or complement to your present RV air conditioner? Look no additional than the Cooper Hunter mini-split.
Regardless that it’s not formally an RV air conditioner, it’s value contemplating to assist decrease your electrical prices. Merely set the thermostat in your mini-split a level or two decrease than your rooftop AC unit.
Remember the fact that a part of the unit must be put in exterior your RV. It is a pretty straightforward set-up and there are many YouTube movies to assist. A wall mounting bracket will assist you to connect the mini-split to your RV with ease.
One other nice function of the Cooper Hunter mini-split is that along with being a fantastic choice for an RV air conditioner, it additionally heats. And, as a result of it doesn’t use propane to warmth, it helps minimize down on the dreaded winter condensation.
Cooper Hunter has a dry mode, which is basically a built-in dehumidifier.
Execs
Vitality environment friendly
Heats and cools
Digital thermostat and distant management
Cons
Requires drilling holes for outdoor unit
Extra difficult to put in
Greatest for Heating and Cooling
RecPro
Just like the Cooper Hunter, the RecPro RV air conditioner each cools and heats. However, this unit is put in in your ceiling like a standard AC unit.
The RecPro is a non-ducted unit that makes use of much less vitality than a ducted RV air conditioner. That additionally means it’s quieter.
One criticism with the RecPro, which may very well be annoying for some, is that the fan runs repeatedly.
Execs
Straightforward to put in
Heats and cools
Digital thermostat and distant management
Cons
Bolts are slightly brief for some set up functions
Fan runs repeatedly
RV Air Conditioner Purchaser’s Information
Profile
When looking for the very best RV air conditioner, you’ll see phrases like excessive, mid, and low-profile when describing the peak of your air conditioner.
You must know the peak of your RV earlier than selecting your air conditioner, conserving in thoughts that you simply wish to keep beneath 13’6”.
One different factor to think about is that the low profile RV air conditioners have been recognized to be noisier than the excessive profile.
Ducted or Ductless
Understanding whether or not your RV wants a ducted or ductless air conditioner alternative can be essential.
A non-ducted RV air conditioner blows air from overhead straight into the room. Then again, a ducted unit blows the air all through the RV by means of vents – like an air conditioner in a sticks and bricks.
Undecided which one you have got? Check out your ceiling. In case your RV has vents, you have got a ducted RV air situation system. You probably have a unit with controls on it, you have got a non-ducted system.
Typically talking, ducted programs are put in in bigger RVs.
RV Air Conditioner Continuously Requested Questions
Can I simply put a conveyable air conditioner in my RV?
Completely. In actual fact, the Shinco transportable air conditioner is a good choice. It’s small, highly effective, and could be managed with a distant from the consolation of your recliner.
How do I preserve my RV air conditioner?
The best, and most vital, step in sustaining your RV air conditioner is to wash the filter.
If you happen to’re a full-time RVer, having a schedule to do that month-to-month is a good suggestion. With most RV air conditioners, you may merely take away the filter and rinse it off with heat water.
When you have your filter out, test it for any tears or holes. That may be a sign that it’s time for a alternative.
That is the place your RV guide goes to turn out to be useful. It should let you know find out how to substitute your specific filter and what dimension you want.
Make sure to add checking the RV shroud and seal to your typical roof upkeep schedule.


Wrapping up the Greatest RV Air Conditioners
As you’ve most likely observed, except for the mini-split, all of our greatest RV air conditioners are roof-mounted. Though some rigs do have basement air conditioners, roof-mounted items are extra common so we selected to focus our consideration on them.
Now that you understand which RV air conditioner will maintain you good and funky throughout your time on the street, it’s time to try your surge protector. In any case, investing in a brand new AC unit isn’t going to do you any good if there isn’t any energy.
Melissa Goins is a lifelong resident of Indiana and at the moment resides on a 15-acre homestead along with her household the place she has lived full-time stationary in a 2000 Journey Supreme fifth wheel for the previous two years.
She has all the time beloved touring and in 2000 she and her husband bought a completely self-contained semi truck and hit the street with their two children, visiting all 48 contiguous United States and studying about our superb nation alongside the way in which.Melissa has discovered lots about dwelling full-time in an RV over the previous two years and loves sharing ideas and tips with others — which is why she loves writing for Past the Tent. From staying cool in the summertime to making ready for winter, to cooking Thanksgiving dinner for 12 in an RV, there’s a lot to study, get pleasure from, and share Past the Tent.
When she’s not writing or having fun with the good outside, Melissa likes to spend time along with her household. She is a proud spouse, mother, and grandma to a few lovely grandbabies.